Time Flies...

Well, let me first say that I know it has been months since my last entry but I've been so incredibly busy as of late that I have not been able to update everyone on my journey. The last few months has been very intense for me. It's been an emotional roller coaster and well adjusting to graduate school has not been easy. After nearly two months ...Surprisingly, I'm still adjusting.

My first rotation ended in early September and for the most part I enjoyed my time in the lab. I learned a great deal concepts and techniques. As for data, I was able to make some interesting observations, nothing to write a paper about. Before September 11 (my first day of classes), I was very excited about starting grad school unfortunately, that excitement has diminished and has since been replaced with fear, anxiety and stress. I am currently taking one 10 credit course, journal club as well as juggling a rotation. While it might not sound like very much it sometimes feels like the heaviest of burdens. Journal club is held once a week and while it's a great way to learn about current research topics and critic papers...I don't feel comfortable or knowledgeable enough to take part in the discussions. Hopefully, that will change because my journal club presentation is quickly approaching. My rotation is going well, I think! I'm never really feel as though I'm doing enough or spending enough time in the lab. As for class (GC550), which encompasses 3 courses: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics for 12 hours a week. As of the second exam, I am doing above average and while that is music to my ears, I know that I am not pushing myself hard enough. The course is difficult and it covers a great deal of material and hopefully by the end of the semester I'll emerge not only with a good grade but with my sanity.

So, far grad school is what I expected... hard work! What I didn't anticipate was how I would deal with all the new demands on my life. Both emotionally and physically, school takes a lot out of me and the weekends are always a much needed break, my time to recuperate and re-energize myself for the week ahead. Whether it means going to New York, sitting at home or most recently going to Chicago (to paint the town red with my good friend Monica) I try to enjoy and savor every moment of happiness and peace that I experience. Maintaining the balance between doing well in school and enjoying life has become my priority.

It's August...Already!

I can not believe that August is here already. I've been in the lab for nearly a month and while I haven't made significant findings, yet, I'm getting there. I do feel a slight bit of pressure considering I only have a little over a month left in my rotation. My goal is to get as many experiments done by then...and hope for the best. I've been learning so many new techniques and enjoying every minute of it. I know that my rotation is not about make a really big scientific discovery, it's about me making little ones that will ultimately affect my future in science. One thing that I've learned is that some people are not the most accommodating and don't enjoy working with others. Working with these individuals is difficult but I've found that remaining focused on the taskat hand and my goals, helps.

I'm Learning and Growing Everyday

So, during a rotation, students work in a lab for a number of weeks and in that brief period they have to try to envision themselves in that lab, get a feel for some of the projects and techniques in the lab and get to know the PI. Some how you have to determine if this lab is right for you? I haven’t reached that conclusion yet this is only the 1 of 3 rotations that I must do. But I will admit that starting in the summer was a really good decision…I’ve learned so much in the past two weeks …that I’m amazed at how at ease I am with the whole thing. I’ve pretty much settled in here at the school and at home. I’ve established a route that I feel comfortable with.

So, what is the lab working on well: the Hooper lab is working on several different projects such as the mechanisms behind Rabies infection in mice, spinal cord injury and lastly brain tumors all of which share a common thread the BBB better known as the Blood Brain Barrier. The BBB is a collection of cells (primarily endothelial cells) that essentially regulates the passage of certain substances from the blood into the central nervous system. Understanding the opening and closing of the barrier during infection, injury or cancer can help us to ultimately better treatments or repair lasting neurological or physical damage. After learning about the various projects in the lab I found the rabies studies the most intriguing because it allows me the opportunity to learn more about viruses and investigate the immune response post infection.

To my surprise, I was given the opportunity to develop my own project…and I will admit it was pretty intimidating but with some guidance from Dr. Hooper I’ve come up with a project that I am very excited about. Not to mention I get to isolate endothelial cells from the brains of mice…which is probably the most fun I’ve had so far! I yank out their small brains and out of that comes even smaller cells that I hope will help me to answer a few more questions about BBB permeability during rabies virus infections. Two weeks in and I’m loving it! (I sound like a McDonald’s commercial :( )

My First Day…

This morning I woke up…and felt exactly the same way I did on my first day of kindergarten. Excited, eager and a tinge of nervousness. Not knowing what to expect on my first day in the Hooper lab…it turned out to be a great one. Dr. D. Craig Hooper is a really cool guy. He’s a straight shooter from Canada and has some rather interesting approaches towards research. The members of the Hooper lab are very personable and helpful. While there was a lot, and I mean a lot, of information for me to absorb on the first day. But there are so many intriguing projects going on in the lab that I’m really going to have a hard time choosing. I have a feeling that I’ll learn a great deal during this rotation. Graduate schools off to a great start!

The Start of a New Race

A year ago, I moved from New Jersey to Rochester, MN. I had just graduated from College and I was looking forward to working at the “World Famous” Mayo Clinic, as a post-baccalaureate student. Moving to Rochester was a culture shock to say the least. A year later, I’m back in New Jersey reflecting on a wonderful year. In the past year, I’ve grown to love Rochester, forged new friendships (that’ll cherish), and new experiences. All of which, will influence my future for years to come.

Wow, I’m a graduate student!!! It still really hasn’t hit me that I’m a grad student. I’m not exactly sure what to expect but I am still very excited about graduate school and obtaining my PhD. I certainly never envisioned myself on this path but it fits and a part of me is happy that I’ve found a field that I feel passionate about, what else could I ask for. I have no real predictions for what I plan on doing ten years from now…but for the next five years or so I plan on learning and growing as a scientist and adding to the scientific community in my own way. Tomorrow, I start my summer rotation at Jefferson and begin my adjustment to a different world!